The Most Unusual Benefits
So, your company wants to differentiate itself from the pack. That’s smart, but how do you craft a benefits package that establishes your business as a destination place of employment?
It all comes down to showing that you are supportive of your employees. You can’t put a price tag on that, and it will appeal to those in search of somewhere to work.
Ultimately, a one-size-fits-all approach to benefits is no longer sustainable. It may have worked in years prior, but nowadays it’s important to recognize that you are hiring people from all types of backgrounds, from a wide array of cultures and from a range of age groups.
As a result, your benefits package should be as adaptable and diverse as your staff members.
What benefits are at the forefront of employees’ minds?
From pharmacy benefits to personal time for nonwork-related responsibilities, many employees are eager for accessible and affordable benefits that make them feel like you see them as people.
Before the pandemic, perks such as free lunches, fitness centers and Ping-Pong tables were appealing in their own way. However, today’s distributed workforce demands benefits that actually improve their lives on a grander scale. It’s become normal to expect more innovation when it comes to the benefits that are offered, and this change in the tides will influence how much people believe your company cares about its employees.
Your company can do something about the frustration that many workers experience as a result of sub-par benefits. In turn, you will draw more attention from candidates in search of a company that understands how to support its workforce.
Benefit ideas that your employees will actually appreciate
Here are a handful of ways you can effectively express your appreciation for your employees in the modern workplace:
Financial planning and advice
Financial planning goes beyond just offering a 401(k). It can also help employees manage debt, budget for everyday expenses and save for larger purchases. This type of program can have a significantly beneficial impact on your employees, especially because financial stress is known to affect people immensely.
Financial stressors not only negatively impact work performance but also hurt the physical health, mental well-being and interpersonal relationships of your employees. When you offer finance-related advice and educational opportunities on topics such as home buying and identity theft protection, you can empower your employees to make informed decisions.
Additionally, student debt is a growing concern for many. However, with a financial planning program, you can assist your employees by helping them manage their own debt or preventing them from falling into more debt while trying to get out of their current situation.
Professional development budgets
A professional development budget, such as an education stipend, is another way to show that you are committed to your employees’ growth. This type of stipend has the power to pay for an array of educational opportunities, such as online courses, in-house training, mentorship programs or attending industry events. You can also support employees who want to obtain English as a Second Language certification, earn their high school diploma or pursue an advanced degree.
Mental health perks
Mental health perks are a great way to support your workforce. Examples include offering extra vacation days, extending the weekend to three days and providing time off for birthdays and half-days throughout the summer.
Consider adding therapy sessions, mindfulness apps and meditation classes to the mix. You can also extend your employee assistance program to include counseling for anxiety, grief, trauma or substance abuse, among other difficulties that your employees may face.
Healthy meal deliveries and fitness app subscriptions
An amazing way to encourage your employees to maintain peak physical health is by equipping them with subscriptions for healthy meal delivery services, coupons for local fitness classes, or reimbursements for physical activity and wellness programs.
Providing personal training at gyms or supporting family-planning options, such as fertility treatments and adoption assistance, are other ways to show that you care about the holistic well-being of those who work for you.
Solid opportunities for families
As a way of supporting those employees who are also parents, why not offer a childcare allowance? Flexible work arrangements and on-site childcare options can also make a big difference for parents who work for your company.
Access to help for remote and hybrid employees
For remote and hybrid employees, lack of socialization is a common issue. Creating interactive spaces, such as Slack channels, virtual game nights or annual trips for team bonding purposes, can help bridge that gap. Telehealth and on-demand apps for stress management are also valuable resources.
Voluntary benefits
Voluntary benefits, such as pet insurance, long-term care insurance and discounts, can give your employees the flexibility they need to choose what matters most to them while opting out of benefits that may not apply to their lives.
Addressing gaps that have existed in previous benefits packages, such as fertility support, student debt assistance and paternity leave, can make your company’s benefits appear more well-rounded. Attention to these opportunities for improvement can also serve as a way of showcasing your support for your employees as people, not just workers.
From self-improvement and career mobilization to tuition reimbursement and certifications, there are many ways to demonstrate that you believe in advancing and developing the careers of your employees. Just remember: The more you can contribute to your employees’ sense of fulfillment, the better.
Pam Morton
Benefits by Design Insurance Services
415-524-8959 Larkspur, CA office
760-696-3573 Carlsbad, CA office
PamM@benefitsbydesignca.com
www.benefitsbydesignca.com
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